12.20.2006

while we were in Florida over Thanksgiving, i wrote a couple posts in that network-forsaken land that through one glitch or another, never made it to this page. so, without further ado (or re-reading them first) here they are.

Happy Feet

I’m watching a piece on fox news right now about the animated film, happy feet. They’re critiquing the film for making a “far left,” “political” statement, apparently about global warming. Their point is understandable about not wanting their kids getting a message that they disagree with. The thing that kills me is that they act like this is the first time such a thing has happened. I get the impression that, in reality, they’re not mad that the filmmakers use the film to propagate a specific message, they’re just pissed because they don’t agree with it. Don’t get me wrong, liberals do the same thing, claiming that free speech is paramount…except if it’s along judeo-christian lines.

Maybe someday parents will decide to take these opportunities to have a conversation with their kids instead of making them such a big political deal. And remember, seeing happy feet or participating in any art viewing for that matter, is voluntary. If you don’t like it, don’t patronize it. If they don’t make any money, they won’t do it next time.

And why can people not recognize that they controversy has the exact opposite effect? I mean, I’m interested in seeing happy feet now, and wasn’t before. The davinci code was a mediocre movie that became a blockbuster because religious people made such a huge deal about it. If you don’t like, tell your friends not to waste their time and money. Going on tv to complain will only stoke the fire.

The Schema of the Grandparents' World

Stated assumptions:

the moisture from a bath towel left to dry in the house will cause some damage.Better to hang them in the garage.

unplug hairdryers and curling irons whether they’re on or off.It’s just not worth the risk.

no matter what your plans, always take a jacket.Might as well.

don’t spill anything anywhere, including water droplets on the counter next to the sink.